R.I.P. Former Councilmember Jim Graham

The Council was informed that he died earlier Thursday, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said Thursday afternoon.
He was 71, The Washington Post reported.

Graham represented Washington’s Ward 1 for four terms, starting in 1998. He was committed to city residents, Mendelson said.

“Jim had a strong commitment to the District that pre-dated his election to the Council. His work at Whitman Walker Clinic in the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic was widely and highly regarded,” Mendelson said in a statement.

“On the Council, Jim worked especially hard on issues like homelessness, juvenile justice, diversity and public transportation. The District thanks him for his long public service and many accomplishments. He left our city a better place,” he continued.